AUSTIN - Social media was buzzing Wednesday after a photo appeared online of some signage at 1200 East Sixth Street alluding to it be the home of a new Chili’s restaurant. The photos had many wondering whether it was authentic or if it was just some elaborate joke.

The verified Chili’s Twitter account didn’t waste much time addressing the rumors in a Tweet that read, “That would be weird for us to move to East 6th #KeepAustinWeird #FakeNews.”

In the images posted on social media, the banners hint at a fall 2017 opening, and flyers pinned to the door poke fun at other local bars and eateries such as Franklin Barbecue and Cheer Up Charlie's. Also posted on the door was a menu that featured items such as the Austin City Limitless Queso, Waller Wings, Fun Fun Fun Fries and SXSWestern Eggrolls.

Those flyers also feature what appears to be the Chili’s logo and a social media handle of @chiliseastatx. However, when checked Wednesday afternoon, the Twitter account under that handle had not tweeted. Yet on Instagram, that handle had several posts dating back to March 23, 2016.

KVUE's news partners at the Austin American-Statesman reported that the location, once home to the Uptown Sports Club, was purchased last year by a group named 1200 East 6th Partners LLC.

So, what do you think: Another restaurant or an over-the-top troll?

"Thought it was hilarious commentary on what's going on on the east side," nearby resident Kristen Chin said. "People are taking things very seriously and people are also taking it with a bit of humor, so it's nice to see it with a bit of humor."

Down the street, Aimee Chiodo runs her "dream" food truck, Aimee's Superfantazmo. She said she appreciated the joke, but is glad it wasn't true.

"It's not East Austin," she said. "This area is eclectic. Everything is locally owned like mom and pop stores. These are everyone's passion stores, their cute little dream stores."

Artist and non-profit organizer Ashlee Whittemore agreed. She'd been working on a mural just across the street from the "fake" Chili's location when the online attention began.

"When I saw that I was like 'Are you kidding me?'" she said. "That does not fit at all."

Whittemore said she was glad it was a joke - especially since her mural on the wall was meant to attract tourists to her non-profit, AIneedcures.com, not drive people away.